4 McClain Co. Jail Inmates Charged With Rioting, Causing Thousands In Damage

Four inmates at the McClain County jail have been charged with rioting while behind bars.

Nicholas Smith, 35, Calvin Mize, 24, Colton Vickery, 31, and Johnathen Miller, 47 were charged in McClain County court. A fifth inmate was charged but pleaded guilty a week following the incident which happened in the afternoon of September 11, 2020.

“The safety of the other inmates and the safety of the staff is what is paramount here,” said Lt. Anthony Simpson. “They were luckily able to gain access and gain control very easily in this situation.”

The inmates told investigators they were unhappy their commissary was late that day. It was just the beginning.

“They were unhappy with the speed in which their court cases were going through the court system,” said Simpson. “Of course, we explain we have nothing to do with that and don’t control any of that.”

A little over $2,600 worth of damage was done to the jail.

The inmates were seen on camera pulling a drain grate from the floor and smashing windows, even attempting to damage the jail fire sprinkler system.

“There were some components of the WiFi that was destroyed,” said Simpson. “There were some cameras that were destroyed, the surveillance cameras within the facility, they had set fire to some blankets and a book I believe.”

With the inmates now facing additional charges, the administration hopes a message is sent loud and clear that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

“Anybody that lives here knows that our facility is older, and we have very limited recourses,” said Simpson. “Anytime something like this happens, the taxpayers are where that cost is passed onto. We try to minimize that.”

During the riot, one of the inmates was seen on camera drinking alcohol.

Investigators said inmates assaulted some deputies. They were not hurt.